§ 22. Sir Robert Taskerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now ascertained how long Mr. Ashton and Mr. Webster have been imprisoned in Bolivia; and what is the result of the consultation with the lawyer of the accused?
§ Mr. EdenMessrs. Ashton and Webster have been imprisoned ever since their arrest on 28th January last. His Majesty's Government do not regard such lengthy detention without trial as in any way warranted or consonant with justice. Efforts are now being made to secure the release of the prisoners on personal bail, but as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on 12th April last, the difficulty encountered 837 by these two gentlemen in securing bail is due to the fact that it involves the sureties not only pledging their own persons but also accepting responsibility for all financial liabilities should the accused leave the country. I have not yet learnt what results have attended the consultation with the lawyer of the accused, but I hope to have some in- formation within the next few days.
§ Sir R. TaskerIs my right hon. Friend aware that their property has been confiscated? Bail might be a million centavos.
§ Mr. EdenI am not aware of that, but I am aware how unsatisfactory this matter is, and I am obliged to my hon. Friend for putting the question upon the Paper.